CHARLESTON -- Several needy families are getting a variety of meats, canned goods, vegetables and juices, courtesy of the Union Mission's Annual Food Distribution.

"It means a lot because we probably wouldn't have a Thanksgiving without it cause we really have a hard time," said Jean Smith of Charleston.

"To me it would mean everything, because I'm low on supplies. I get a fixed income," said Lovena Hager of Boone County.

The Bible Center Church in Charleston is one of several churches partnering with the Union Mission to give out the food. Church members estimate they took care of more than 900 people, a 20% increase over last year's Thanksgiving food distribution.

"We think it has a lot to do probably with the economic turndown. We were actually told by some people this year that this was the first time they participated, and we were glad they were here," said Reverend Bill Tanzey, Associate Pastor at the Bible Center Church.

The event is also a yearly highlight for the Church. 75 volunteers of all ages are helping load vehicles with food.

"You understand that you are blessed so much. God has given us, and we want to show today how the blessings that God has given us that we can give out to the community," said church member Jacquie Berry.

"We really are blessed by serving others and that's the whole way this works," added Reverend Tanzey.

Church members will now get ready for a similar food distribution the Saturday before Christmas.